Released in 1994 in the USA and in Europe, the movie met a great success that Disney hadn’t anticipated. In fact, it was first supposed to be a “sub” Disney film because of the rule: “One Disney a year”, while waiting the one which was to be the real masterpiece. It was supposed to be Pocahontas, which had success too, but not as much as The Lion King...

 

After the Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, the Lion King was the one that brought Disney animation to a piedestal. Film after film, the company lost a little of what made the previous films so special, and that situation led to the current one where even Disney make CGI films and no traditional animation...Though, when you watch a movie like the Lion King, it’s just impossible to imagine a masterpiece like that being entirely made with computers.

The story was pretty much inspired of Hamlet (Shakespeare), deals with a tribe of lions, and the story is particularly centered aroud Simba; this character is the king’s only son.

After a tragic accident, he decides to leave the kingdom because of his shame. The role of king is taken by his uncle, his father’s rival, who will create terror and fear in the heart of the tribe. After several years in the jungle, Simba will come back to avenge his father and get back his throne.

The movie won several prizes like the Oscar® of the best song for “Can you feel the love tonight” and a second one which was given to Hans Zimmer for the best original music.

 

Executive producer : Thomas Schumacher
Producer : Don Hahn
Directors : Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers
Scenario : Jim Capobianco, Irene Mecchi, Linda Woolverton and Lorna Cook
Soundtrack : Hans Zimmer and Elton John

 

American voices :

Matthew Broderick ...Simba (adult)

James Earl Jones ...Mufasa

Jeremy Irons ...Scar

Rowan Atkinson ...Zazu

Nathan Lane ...Timon

 

 

Release date in the USA : June 24, 1994

DVD release date in the USA : October 7, 2003